The four imperial cities of Morocco are Fes, Marrakech, Meknes en Rabat. At some point in history these cities were the capital of the country. 
Fes was the First capital of Morocco and was founded in the early ninth century by Moulay Idriss II. Fes has the largest medina (historical town) of Morocco and exploring this labyrinth of more than 9000 winding alleys and streets is an unforgettable experience. There are no cars or motorbikes in the medina of Fes, which gives you the impression of having gone back into time. In the past thousand years not much has changed in this lively, yet mysterious city!
The people of Fes are proud to tell you that the city owns the oldest university in the world, situated in the heart of the medina. Furthermore you’ll find the famous tanneries here, as well as more than ten beautiful koranic schools.
Marrakech is probably the most famous of the imperial cities. The name Morocco is even derived from Marrakech! Marrakech was Morocco’s capital three times. It’s the city of the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, but above all of the Jemaa el Fna square. During the day a quiet square with some snake-charmers, but at night a lively open-air theatre with acrobats, medicine-men and storytellers. The best way to enjoy it is to find yourself a place on one of the roofterraces, just before dusk, so you can see the square come to life. Smoke rising up from the food-stalls, music becoming louder and louder until it’s time to go down to the square yourself and immerse yourself in this spectacle.
The third imperial city is Meknes. This is the city of Moulay Ismael, a contemporary of Louis XIV, who was a friend of his. Moulay Ismael was a violent king who had the ambition to turn Meknes into the Versailles of Morocco. He had lots of palaces built, but when he lost power the Berber-tribes that he had repressed, took their revenge and destroyed many of these palaces.Meknes is still worthwile a visit though. Moulay Ismal’s mausoleum for example is simply beautiful and the gate Bab al Mansour is called Africa’s most beautiful city-gate.
Meknes is also less visited and therefore the old town and it’s markets are be quite enjoyable.
Rabat is Morocco’s present capital. After the industrial port-city Casablanca, Rabat is the largest city of the country, with around two million inhabitants. Rabat is situated on the Atlantic Coast and has a nice climate year round. Because it’s a relatively modern town Rabat can be a good place to start your Morocco-adventure. The city has a nice, colourful medina and some impressive monuments, such as the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and also the Kasbah Oudaya, a wonderful part of the old town from where you’ll have a nice view over the ocean.
